Excel 2003: Adjusting Column Widths & Row Heights

Excel 2003: Adjusting Column Widths & Row Heights

Having the ability to adjust column widths and row heights to match the data stored in a column or a row is a huge bonus! And, Excel 2003 has an AutoFit feature that makes the process totally painless.

In Excel 2003, if the text you enter in a cell is too long for the column it is located in, Excel will just “cut-off” the data at the right-edge of the cell IF there is data in the cell directly to the right. And, it will print this way, too. However, if there is no data directly to the right, Excel will allow the text to spill over into the next column(s).

But, when you’re entering numbers, it’s a whole different ballgame. If a column is too narrow for a large number, instead of cutting it off, Excel will simply display a series of pound signs, i.e. #####.

Resizing a Column Using AutoFit

Position your cursor on the right-edge of a column heading

When your cursor changes to a double-headed arrow, double-click

Resizing a Column Using the Shortcut Menu

Select the Column you want to resize

Click your right mouse button on the column heading

Choose Column Width… from the Shortcut menu

Enter a new column width

Click OK

Resizing a Column by Dragging

Position your cursor on the right-edge of a column heading

When your cursor changes to a double-headed arrow, drag to the right or left with your left mouse button

Resizing a Row Using AutoFit

Position your cursor on the bottom-edge of a row heading

When your cursor changes to a double-headed arrow, double-click

Resizing a Row Using the Shortcut Menu

Select the Row you want to resize

Click your right mouse button on the row heading

Choose Row Height… from the shortcut menu

Enter a new row height

Click OK

Resizing a Row by Dragging

Position your cursor on the bottom-edge of a row heading

When your cursor changes to a double-headed arrow, drag to the right or left with your left mouse button